Appendix D
- Report allergic or sensitivity reactions you may have had to drugs or food.
- Report other medical problems you may have (e.g., exposure to chickenpox; herpes zoster; infections; bone marrow, heart, kidney, or liver problems).
- Provide a complete list of all medications you take, prescription and nonprescription.
- In most situations birth control is essential and may be required for both patient and partner. Nonhormonal birth control reduces the possibility of drug interactions, but compliance is imperative. If there is any possibility you or your partner may be pregnant, inform your physician promptly.
- Discontinue breast-feeding.
- Take only prescribed medication(s) in the exact amounts prescribed and at the times prescribed. This will help to maintain correct blood levels and avoid drug interactions.
- Confirm procedure if you should miss a dose. If any questions, notify physician.
- Confirm procedure for correct storage of your medication(s).
- Close monitoring by your physician is very important; keep all appointments and have all required lab work done on schedule. Your medications may interfere with some test results. Discuss with your physician.
- Do not take any immunizations without your physician’s approval. Polio vaccine is especially virulent in your condition; request family members to defer immunization, and either avoid friends who have been immunized or wear a protective mask covering your nose and mouth while visiting. Live vaccines should be avoided.
- Dental procedures may need to be completed before starting therapy or deferred until therapy is completed. Use caution with your toothbrush, toothpicks, or dental floss. Alternate methods of dental hygiene may be necessary should your gums become tender, inflamed, or bleed.
- Review all side effects with your physician. Confirm those that may be a special problem for you and discuss solutions and expectations.
- Avoid anyone with an infection or fever. Report symptoms such as chills, fever, cough, hoarseness, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination. Take precautions when in crowded areas indoors, and consider wearing a mask.
- Wash hands before touching your eyes or the inside of your nose.
- Report unusual bleeding, bruising, black tarry stools, blood in urine, or pinpoint red spots on your skin (petechiae).
- Report redness, swelling, or soreness in the mouth (symptoms of stomatitis).
- Report mild hair loss, nausea and vomiting, rash, tiredness, weakness.
- Avoid accidental cuts whenever possible (e.g., razors, fingernail and toenail clippers).
- Avoid contact sports in which you might be bruised or injured.
- Drink adequate amounts of fluids to prevent increases in serum uric acid concentrations. Allopurinol and/or alkalinization of urine may be required.
- Anesthesia during dental, surgical, or emergency treatment may be a problem. It is best to consult with your physician, but inform all health care professionals about the medications you are taking before they treat you in any way.